October 29, 2013

Though Manali is a small place, but it is base for onward travel to Rohtang and further to Leh, as widely acclaimed Leh-Manali highway starts from here only. First thing while in Manali is to set off to Rohtang Pass. Start as early as possible, so that you get ample time to enjoy the journey and can get back to Manali before it gets too dark in the evening.
In the morning as the sun was spreading its rays from behind the mountains and the city was about to come to life, the moment seemed like the whole world to us. It was an amazing Way to Go..or What a way to go....

Well-defined snow capped peaks,Deodar and Pine trees, will give you company on this journey.

Start with adequate winter gear to counter any onslaught of the chilling winds at Rohtang pass. There are lot of shops at the exit of the city which rent out adequate winter gears and drivers insist a lot on taking those clothes from local shops. The distance of 52 km. will take around 3 hours owing to frequent landslides and bad condition of the roads.

However mighty mountains, falling waterfalls will keep you occupied and will make up more than the bad condition of the road. Click after click continue to capture the opulent nature.

Limits of vision were the mountains only and nothing else. As it is said Human will to triumph is above all, we stopped at a place full of eateries.
We wondered how much efforts must have been done by these shopkeepers to open such shops at this height. This place is "Marhi" and like everywhere else view from this point was staggering brilliant, barren mountains were incomparable.

We had to stop for 15-20 minutes due to some blasting work being carried out by Border Roads organization. Landslides are frequent here, may be due to loose mountains:

At Rohtang: The view was "Incredible".

Everyone was hiring horses to go up the distance which was hardly 2 Km. As our feet are always the best option, we decided to chart the course by walking on for the summit. All my trekking experience was coming handy, like take small steps, have little water.

Braving the winds and walking on the frozen rivers, one constantly hear the noise of water gushing underneath the frozen layer of ice. Don't worry keep on moving.

Snow at the top was calling us and Step by step we kept on moving and it did not took long to reach the summit, with snow everywhere around. Rightly said "View from the top is what makes the journey of 1000 steps so exhilarating". A sense of Deja Vu ---

Return journey was as usual devoid of any thrill, except the fascinating memories gathered during the day. Fast changing landscapes from hills covered with trees to barren mountains, what a diverse panorama on display here.The best plans slould be kept early during the trip as one snowfall or landslide, the Leh Manli highway, which is the road to Rohtang gets closed. So when in Manali first thing to do is to head straight to Rohtang..Someone rightly told that you have to be lucky also to experience Rohtang...

November 1, 2010

Far from the Maddening crowd, in the realms of Nature, surrounded by mountains lies an incredible holiday spot, We call it as "Manali". It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley.

Amazing Landscapes, flowing river, green mountains are a few to keep you enthralled during your road trip to Manali...also known as the "SWITZERLAND OF INDIA".

We started from Shimla at 9:00 AM in a taxi, which the best way to explore the beauty all the way till Manali. Every mile was asking us to stop and see...but we had to reach Manali - -so we kept on moving, though with occasional stops. Each turn was unfolding stunning panorama of nature, and landscapes were getting better every time. Pandoh dam for hydroelectric power generation is one of such stop during the way:

Whether it was the green waters of the rivers, eye catching hills or the 3 km. long tunnel, all of them kept us glued on our windows. We kept on moving and enjoying...

280 Km. distance took around 9 hours including a few stops to relish in the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. It got evening, when we reached at our destination in Manali. Needless to say Landscape took our breath away. It was 6:00 PM by the time we checked in out hotel. Take room, with a captivating view of the opposite mountain ranges the land where the music of the mountains was reigning supreme.

Manali is a small place with a few sight seeing options here, notable among them Hadimba temple and Maharishi Vashisht Temple. It is the experience and AURA of this place that sets it apart from other destinations in this region.

However Manali is the base for going to Rohtang Pass and further to Leh.

There are some things which you always desire, and Snowfall is one of them. It was November, but we got up to witness Snowfall. We were in for a heavenly experience.

Trees, Houses and ground covered with snow were simply irresistible to stay indoors.

We too came out to have our share of enjoyment in the falling snow. At breakfast, hotel staff complimented us for being lucky to witness snowfall in November as it usually happens in January. We were rejoicing on our good fortune.

The snow had a magnetizing effect on us and we continued to explore whatever we could have. Check what was the closest encounter with snow we could have had.

I saw a few kids playing with the snow, in the snow. Just a glance of them was ample for me to join their game. With in a few seconds I went back to my childhood days. Staying in the big cities we miss out on lot of simple yet delightful activities. Rightly said - "Those are the moments which make life worthwhile". So guys Live Life to the fullest before it gets too late.

We realized that local sightseeing was due, when our cab arrived. Though we did not wanted to stop the fun in the snow with the kids. However we started at 1:00AM for local sightseeing.

First in the list was Maharishi Vashisht Temple, it was a small but impressive temple. We were in for another surprise, as there was snow all around the floor and we were supposed to cross it barefooted. Isn't it Enticing Guys...?

We saw a few tourists praying from outside and returning back. The snow had a terrifying effect on them. However we went inside without our shoes. Brains and feet were fighting out for moving fast or maintain a balance to avoid slipping. By the time they would have reached to a conclusion, we had performed the rituals and were out of the temple.

Seeing our flawless execution of this dare devil act, one of the couple let their feet come out of the shoes. However I am sure they will be cursing me for long as they slipped on the snow. Well no comments ....

The way fighter pilots prepare before every flight, same way with our spirits rejuvenated, we started for Hadimba Temple.

Cladded in snow and snow falling from the Trees, Hadimba Temple was posing like a panorama only seen in artists' sketches. What could have been the icing on the cake, we were walking besides the rabbits. There were rabbits all around to cheer you. Our shoes have got wet by the time, but we were not complaining. Again our cameras went into overdrive. With snow all around and rains embracing us, we got to know, why it is called as "SWITZERLAND of INDIA". Do you have any question guys:

Instead of returning to our hotel we decided to get to the Mall. Every hill station in India has a Mall Road and Manali is no different. Artifacts sold by different shops exhibits ample glimpses of diversity of India culture. Laughing Buddha, Dragons' souvenirs, Lord Krishna pictures and masks used in South Indian dances, all at one place - that's what we call "UNITY in DIVERSITY"

Around 6:00 PM we have returned back to our hotel. It took us hardly half an hour to explore whole of Manali on foot and sight seeing, cool breezes were complimentary. Everyone who is coming here should not forget a walk after dinner. The experience will be worth relishing life long.

Adventure does not end here. Manali is also acclaimed for adventure sprts activities. One can indulge in River rafting, Paragliding, Trekking, camping and can learn mountaineering. For budding mountaineers there is a mountaineering institute too.

To return to Delhi, book a Volvo or take any state roadways bus. Prior booking is advised for both of the options. .

I do not have much words to describe the Aura of this place. To be honest you have to come here to feel yourself. In short a special place and a must visit for all.

Situated at a height of 6,398 ft and distance of 550 Km. from Delhi, Manali is a very popular hill station in Beas river valley. Going further ahead on Delhi- Manali road, one can drive till Leh, which is world's one of the best motoring roads on account of natural beauty. Isn't it enticing:

For me this is the best time to be in Manali (October- November), as you can go to Rohtang Pass. So guys, ready 1,2, 3.......Vroom, coz one snowfall and road to Rohtang will be closed. Would you like to miss the above road...